Crime & Safety
Newtown Runners Reportedly 'Safe' Following Boston Tragedy
Dozens reported injured, Copley Square area evacuated. Newtown runners reportedly safe.
A team of Sandy Hook parents are reportedly safe following the explosions that have reportedly killed two and injured dozens at the Boston Marathon.
The team included parent Laura Nowacki, whose daughter survived the Dec. 14 shooting. Before the race, Nowacki told WBUR "In the first 20 miles we’re honoring our 20 Sandy Hook first graders, and when we crest Heartbreak Hill and we’re coming back towards Boston, we run the final six for our six fallen educators who gave everything of themselves, including their lives, to protect our children."
Find out what's happening in Newtownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
NewtownSTRONG representative Scott Johnson told Patch he has been informed by Nowacki that the runners are safe. According to the marathon's website, five other Newtown runners were participating in the race.
The final mile of the Boston Marathon was dedicated to Newtown, and a 26-second moment of silence opened the event. Newtown families were reportedly in VIP stands near the site of the explosion, but uninjured in the blast, according to MSN.
Find out what's happening in Newtownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
More updates as information becomes available.
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Boston Police are reporting 22 injured, two dead. A media briefing is scheduled for 4:30 at the Westin Hotel
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Boston EMS is setting up triage on Boylston, thousands of police and emergency personnel on scene. Anyone looking for a runner is being directed by Boston Police to go to Boston Common.
WBZ-TV is reporting there was a fire at the John F. Kennedy Library just after the explosions. No word on if there is a connection to the explosions.
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Buildings in the area are being evacuated including the apartments at the Prudential. All businesses along Boylston Street are being evacuated and officials are urging everyone to avoid Copley Square.
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Folks in the explosion are being told to stay off their phones as they could trigger more bombs.
The Fairmount Copley Plaza Hotel is currently in lockdown.
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Dozens of people were injured by two explosions near the Boston Marathon finish line. There are multiple reports of victims with missing limbs, bloodied heads and other extremely serious injuries. WBZ-4 reported at least a dozen victims with "grave injuries."
Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency confirms there were explosions but has not released any further details. Public Safety blogger Alert New England reported that all ambulances in the area were diverted to the scene.
One eyewitness said she was right next to the Prudential Center when she said she heard two explosions
"It was the loudest thing I've ever heard it stopped us in our tracks," said Marathon spectator Jennifer Curro.
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